Rich Mullins Never Heard the Music 1st w Zion and 2nd w richard alone

NEVER HEARD THE MUSIC by rich mullins and zion
Written in 1979 for Tom to sing, “Never Heard the Music” was part of the first of several “demo recordings” for the Zion album. It was not a favorite of the band (we always made jokes that it sounded schmaltzy.. like it was written by Barry Manilow) and, Richard later replaced it with the song “Lord Help Me Be” for the album. I am also including the “richard only” version from a 1982 Nashville Demo. To my knowledge, this is one of the many songs written for the Zion years that he never again played in concert after going to Nashville. Here is “Never Heard the Music”.
I used to wake up angry knowing the sun would shine.
But, the light would get lost in the clouds.
I used to wake up lonely wishing that love was mine and never knowing where it was found.
Then there was You, Lord. Though You had always been, I’d never opened up to You.
Then I was through, Lord.. through with the empty games.
And, now I live my life loving You!
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord.
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord
Now, I bless You for the song that each day brings
And, for how they’ve taught me how to sing anew.
I used to feel so empty listenin’ to the radio but never hearing a thing within my heart.
The days went on unending, nowhere new to go. Just hangin’ around playin’ the same old part.
Dreams don’t come true, Lord. Though I wish them on the stars, I’d never given’ up to You.
And, what could I do, Lord? Wait for the songs to start?
And, now I know the music comes from lovin’ You!
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord.
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord
Now, I bless You for the songs that each day brings
And, for how they’ve taught me how to sing anew.
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord.
I never heard the music till the day I met you, Lord
Now, I bless You for the song that each day brings
And, for how they’ve taught me how to sing
…how to sing..they taught me how to sing anew.

[@susananderson4444]

Thank you for sharing both your musical memories & the gift of your friendship with Richard because of these things I now have a greater appreciation of his talent as well as his complex personality. Blessings to yo

[@mcclure41]

Thank you so much Beth. I really like this song. Enjoyed the Zion version.

[@dianemackelvey4070]

What a good song! I love it and had never heard it before!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Beth. I cannot for the life of me remember who sang what. Were you up high? Because I don't remember being up high. Then again, it was a long, long time ago -

[@richmullinsearlymusic]

You sang high on this one, didn't you? I'm pretty sure that's your voice.

[@thereseklopfenstein3398]

I really like this song, both versions, even if it is schmaltzy! I wish Rich would have recorded it on one of his albums.